Posts Tagged ‘EIIT’

ST. LOUIS—On Friday, Aug. 31, at 11:00 a.m., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, began its 174th academic year with a special worship service in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Seminary campus. Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary, served as preacher.

The 21 new SMP students received vicarage assignments during the Opening Service as well.

In addition, two new staff members were installed: Mr. Philip Ebeling as executive director of communications, and Rev. Wayne Knolhoff as director of placement and alumni relations.

Three current faculty members and one current staff member were installed in new positions: Dr. Charles Arand as director of the Center for the Care of Creation; Dr. Victor Raj as occupant of the Buehner-Duesenberg Chair in Missions; Dr. Jeffrey Kloha as director of the Center for the Study of Early Christian Texts; and Rev. Jeffrey Thormodson as director of the MissionShift Institute.

ST. LOUIS—On Friday, Aug. 31, at 11:00 a.m., Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will begin its 174th academic year with a special worship service in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus on the Seminary campus. Dr. Dale A. Meyer, president of Concordia Seminary, will serve as preacher.

Two new employees to the Seminary will be installed: Mr. Philip Ebeling as executive director of communications, and Rev. Wayne Knolhoff as director of placement and alumni relations.

Three professors will be installed into additional positions: Dr. Charles Arand as director of the Center for the Care of Creation; Dr. Jeffrey Kloha as director of the Center for the Study of Early Christian Texts; and Dr. Victor Raj as occupant of the Buehner-Duesenberg Chair in Missions. Staff member Rev. Jeffrey Thormodson will be installed as director of the MissionShift Institute.

Two employees in the Seminary Support department will be installed at later dates: Rev. Edward Bertram as deployed gift officer and Mr. Roger Dow as senior gift officer.

During the preceding week, new students will complete an orientation process and register for course work. The orientation process also provides opportunities for new students and their families to become better acquainted, which includes a “Field Day” consisting of sports activities, games for children, and a community-wide barbecue. Classes start on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

Unless you have been hiding under a LCMS rock the past couple of months, everyone has their calendar marked to either attend, watch, or listen to the Installation Service for President-Elect Matt Harrison. This will be a service of epic proportions. One like Concordia Seminary has ever seen before.

Possibly lost in all the excitement coming down the pipes is the start of the 172nd Academic Year. The opening service isn’t on Sunday following last years format, but this coming Friday morning at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Three staff members will be installed into their prospective positions. Yet, while that is exciting there is still even more to be excited about.

Processing for first time in years together will be incoming M.Div., Alternate Route, Deaconess, SMP, EIIT, DIT, and CHS students. What an imposing display as each of these men and women march (not walk) into the chapel to begin their formation in the ministry. Why not walk? I used the word march to provoke the imagery of war. The devil will take not to this new army heading into formation. He will try to deter them from God’s ministry.

I myself am only a year removed from marching with my classmates into the chapel to begin our formation. There is no feeling like hear the voices of brothers and sisters there to support you not only in this service, but the next step of our journey. It boosted our strength after 3 full days of orientation. I personally, think it would be great for these men and women to march into the chapel packed with brothers and sisters in Christ. It couldn’t hurt to see some support from some higher ups at the International Center as well. Keep in mind these men and women represent the next wave of church workers from Saint Louis. Understand, while I am speaking of CSL specifically, my feelings cover both seminaries as a whole. When ever possible make every attempt to pray for and visibly support these men and women.